Shopping in St Thomas
Shopping is one of the main reasons people visit St Thomas. The island is known across the Caribbean for its duty-free shopping. Downtown Charlotte Amalie has dozens of shops and open-air bazaars, and Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande add more stores.
Places to go
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the territorial capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a downtown harbor town on Saint Thomas. Visitors come for the shops, the hillside views over the harbor, and the old Danish-era streets.
Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande
Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande is a shopping area beside the cruise dock in St Thomas. It has smaller versions of downtown stores and premium brands.
Vendor's Plaza
Vendor's Plaza is an open-air bazaar near downtown Charlotte Amalie, with tent kiosks selling shirts and souvenirs. Bargaining is the norm here, so you can take your time and haggle.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people start at Havensight. Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande hold smaller versions of the downtown stores, along with premium branded shops. It is an easy way to browse before deciding whether to go farther. Downtown Charlotte Amalie is the bigger draw, with dozens of shops along its streets. Safari cabs, open-air pickup trucks with bench seats, run between Havensight and downtown for a set fare per person. Vendor's Plaza, near the southeast side of downtown, has tent kiosks selling shirts, caftans and souvenirs, and bargaining is expected there.
Shopping is most relaxed early or late in the day. When several ships are in port, the stores fill up quickly. Some downtown shops do not open on Sundays, so check the day of your visit. Many stores take credit cards, but bazaar sellers often prefer cash, and U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere on the island.
Where to go
- Vendor's Plaza. Tent kiosks selling shirts, caftans and souvenirs, where bargaining is part of the buying. Near downtown, by walk or taxi.
- Go Fish and the Dolphin Shop. Gifts, books, jewelry, activity photos and apparel. A trip that goes here: St. Thomas Island Overview, 2 Hours, $99 a person
Getting there
Downtown Charlotte Amalie is reached by Safari cab or taxi, paying a set fare per person and agreeing it before you get in.
When to go
Shopping is open year-round. Early or late in the day avoids the crowds when several cruise ships are in port, and Monday through Wednesday tend to be the busiest days in high season.
Good to know
- Carry U.S. dollars, since bazaar sellers may not take cards.
- Agree on the fare per person before getting into a taxi or Safari cab.
- Use only official taxis, which have a dome light and TP on the license plate.
- Bargaining is expected at open-air bazaars but less common in regular stores.
- Some downtown stores stay closed on Sundays, so check before you plan.
Questions
Where is the best shopping in St Thomas?
Downtown Charlotte Amalie has dozens of shops, and it is the main shopping district on the island. Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande offer smaller versions of many of the same stores and some premium brands.
How do I get to downtown shopping in St Thomas?
Open-air Safari cabs run to downtown for a set fare per person each way, and taxis are also available. Agree on the taxi fare before you get in.
Can I pay by card at the St Thomas bazaars?
Many stores accept credit cards, but open-air bazaar sellers may not. U.S. dollars are accepted across the island, so carry cash for the kiosks at Vendor's Plaza and similar stalls.
